GAY

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Gay

The surname "Gay" is of early medieval English origin, deriving from the Old French word "gai", meaning "joyful" or "merry". The name was likely used as a nickname for someone with a cheerful or happy disposition. The Gay surname is found primarily in the United Kingdom and is considered relatively common.

One prominent figure with the surname Gay is John Gay (1685-1732), an English poet and dramatist best known for his ballad opera "The Beggar's Opera". This work is considered one of the finest examples of the genre and has had a lasting influence on English theatre.

The name Gay has also been adopted in various forms in other languages, such as "Gai" in French and "Gaj" in Croatian. Its prevalence in various cultures highlights the widespread use and adaptation of this surname over the centuries.

Overall, the surname Gay carries a rich history and continues to be passed down through generations, serving as a reminder of the joy and merriment associated with its origins.

There are approximately 6,379 people named Gay in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,486th most common surname in Britain. Around 98 in a million people in Britain are named Gay.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Andrew
Christopher
David
James
John
Michael
Paul
Peter
Richard
Robert

Female

Elizabeth
Jean
Karen
Kathleen
Laura
Margaret
Mary
Pamela
Patricia
Rebecca
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.